Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup

A cozy and nutritious Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and warming spices. This hearty vegan soup is easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy it fresh or store it for later—it’s just as delicious the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with lentils and butter beans, this soup is rich in protein and fiber, keeping you full for longer.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can master this recipe.
• Versatile: Great as a main dish or a side, this soup fits well into various meals—perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank while still delivering on flavor.
• Flavorful Spices: The combination of cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric adds warmth and depth to every bowl.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need for making this soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook the soup evenly without overcrowding ingredients.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when chopping vegetables, saving you time in preparation.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee your flavors balance perfectly in the soup.

Ingredients

To make your delicious Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges (optional)

How to Make Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup

Step 1: Heat Olive Oil

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Step 2: Cook Onion

Add the diced onion:
* Cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic:
* Sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Lentils and Spices

Add the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric:
* Bring to a boil.
* Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.

Step 5: Incorporate Beans and Spinach

Stir in the butter beans and spinach:
* Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and beans are heated through.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Season with salt and pepper to taste:
* Adjust flavors as needed before serving hot.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired:
* Enjoy your nourishing Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup!

How to Serve Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup

Serving your Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance the flavor and presentation.

With a Squeeze of Fresh Lemon

• A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the soup.

Crusty Bread on the Side

• Serve the soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. A warm baguette or sourdough complements the flavors beautifully.

Chili Flakes for a Kick

• Sprinkle some chili flakes on top for those who enjoy a little heat. This adds a spicy twist to your comforting bowl of soup.

Fresh Herbs Garnish

• Top each bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This adds color and freshness to every serving.

Pairing with a Salad

• A light green salad dressed with vinaigrette makes an excellent side. It balances the hearty soup with refreshing crispy greens.

How to Perfect Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup

Making your Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup perfectly comes down to a few key techniques. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh spinach and high-quality vegetable broth will enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Rinse Your Lentils – Rinsing lentils before cooking removes any dust or debris, ensuring a cleaner taste.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste during cooking and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed for optimal flavor.
• Blend for Creaminess – For a creamy texture, blend part of the soup before adding spinach and butter beans.
• Store Properly – Allow leftovers to cool before storing in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Best Side Dishes for Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement this dish perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
2. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with chopped vegetables provides added texture and nutrition.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables can add depth of flavor alongside the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and beans create a hearty addition.
5. Mediterranean Couscous – Fluffy couscous mixed with olives and cherry tomatoes pairs well with the soup’s flavors.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – Classic grilled cheese sandwiches offer comfort that complements the soup nicely.
7. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful contrast to savory flavors in the soup.
8. Simple Green Salad – A basic green salad topped with vinaigrette refreshes the palate between bites of rich soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup can be a breeze, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to avoid them:

• Skipping the rinse – Not rinsing your lentils can lead to grit in your soup. Always rinse lentils under cold water before use.
• Overcooking the spinach – Cooking spinach for too long can make it mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking to ensure it stays vibrant and fresh.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Tasting as you go is essential. Don’t wait until the end; adjust salt and pepper during cooking for balanced flavors.
• Using stale spices – Old spices can dull the flavor of your soup. Check expiration dates and replace any that have lost potency for the best taste.
• Ignoring broth quality – Low-quality or overly salty broth can ruin your soup. Use a good vegetable broth for better flavor.
• Skipping the lemon juice – Lemon juice adds brightness to your soup. Don’t skip this step; it enhances all the flavors beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Keeps well for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20-25 minutes in an oven-safe dish.
• Microwave – Heat on high in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat while stirring until hot, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup healthy?

This soup is packed with plant-based protein from lentils and butter beans, plus vitamins from spinach. It’s low in calories but high in nutrients.

Can I customize my Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences. Carrots or bell peppers would work well.

How do I store leftovers of Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup?

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to cool it completely first!

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup stores well and tastes even better after a day of flavors melding together. It’s perfect for meal prepping!

Final Thoughts

Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup is a nourishing dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for any season. Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours! Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Cozy up with our Spinach, Lentil, and Butter Bean Soup! This hearty, plant-based soup is a delightful blend of nutritious ingredients, making it not only delicious but also perfect for a healthy meal. Packed with protein-rich lentils and butter beans, along with vibrant spinach and warming spices, this recipe is budget-friendly and easy to prepare. Whether you enjoy it fresh or save some for later, the flavors meld beautifully over time. Ideal for lunch or dinner, this soup guarantees comfort in every spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
4. Add rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric; bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Incorporate butter beans and spinach; simmer an additional 5 minutes until spinach wilts.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 470mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg